News

BOSVELT FORCED TO SIT THINGS OUT

While Paul Bosvelt is not to return to Rotterdam ahead of time, it is uncertain whether the Feyenoord captain will get to kick a ball in anger on Gran Canaria this week. Bosvelt was forced to sit things out in his hotel room Monday. A heavily bruised fibula is why; picked up on day 2 after a sudden downpour made the training surface as slippery as the ice that plagued Rotterdam last week.

Up to now the injury to Bosvelt is the only dampener on Bert van Marwijk’s week, apart from the rain of course. The medical staff are still concerned about Song’s ankle, but that’s offset somewhat by the progress being made by Ramon van Haaren. That said, the defender is unsure whether he’ll be able to take to the field this week. ‘Things are going well, but I remain cautious of course. I’ve been out for three months and have only trained with the squad for two days. I’m not thinking about playing yet. For me it’s important that I’m able to do everything in training during the day without a reaction. If things go well, games will come as a matter of course.’
Ronald Graafland was relieved that he could show 100% commitment in training again after protracted injury problems. ‘Fantastic,’ Graafland enthused, wiping the worst of the mud from his face, ‘although you have to get used to it. Now I’ve been out for a while I notice how high the standard is in training. Incomparable with the second team.’
Second-choice keeper Patrick Lodewijks was less chirpy. Lodewijks continues to suffer from bruised ribs. ‘Especially now I don’t train with painkillers any more. I should really have rested immediately after I got injured, but I didn’t have that opportunity. The games I played against AZ and NAC only made it worse.’ Notwithstanding the soreness, the goalie is ready to give his all in the Maspalomas tournament if need be. ‘I enjoy getting between the posts. Although I will have to take palliatives.’